All.Can Patient Survey

Many respondents were shocked by the dramatic financial impact cancer had on their lives. Respondents were asked about the financial impact of cancer on their lives, and in the qualitative responses many reported that they had incurred significant costs due to cancer. Even in countries with publicly funded healthcare systems, respondents frequently reported having to pay for some of their cancer care themselves. Reasons differed but included wanting to avoid delays or because a particular aspect of care was not covered by their insurance system. Overview of findings ‘I paid for several exams out of my own pocket to speed things up.’ Respondent from Italy ‘I did the biopsy privately because the National Health Fund doctor said she did not see a reason to do it.’ Respondent from Poland What we know There is growing evidence from different countries that many patients face a ‘cascade of financial burden’ due to cancer: • An Australian study found that cancer patients may spend up to 15% of their lifetime income on their disease. 67 • A study of working-age cancer survivors in the US found that one third had gone into debt, and 55% incurred costs of $10,000 or more due to their cancer. 68 • A French national study (VICAN 2) found that, two years after diagnosis, 25% of people living with cancer were below the poverty threshold, compared with 14% of the general population. 69 • Patients living in rural or remote areas may be most affected by the financial impact of cancer due to the need to travel a long way to specialist centres. 49 • Even when cancer patients are eligible for support, they may not be aware of financial assistance to which they are entitled, and navigating existing benefit systems can be difficult. 70 For some respondents, cancer continued to have a financial impact for many years after they had completed treatment, such as having to pay for complementary care not covered by their health insurance, or not being able to fully return to work. The financial impact of cancer was sometimes devastating, as respondents had to make huge sacrifices to pay for their care and the associated travel. ‘I had to sell an investment property to pay for my cancer treatment, as I had to travel, and stay away, for seven weeks for radiation treatment.’ Respondent from Australia 51 Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency